Tuesday Tea: What are you reading right now? Is it good?
Last reading month of the year!
Mel here… I’m currently re-reading Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory — a book I love (my writeup), and a book I want to finish as soon as possible so I can start reading Christmas books.
My holiday TBR is ridiculously, impossibly long. I want to read all the holidays short stories right now! I have vintage Christmas crime stories, Victorian ghost stories, modern holiday horror, and a collection of festive romance queued up.
Fun fact: Thursday is Krampusnacht, so I 100% recommend that you get your hands on Krampusnacht: Twelve Nights of Krampus by Kate Wolford (my writeup). It’s a collection of a dozen stories that are often funny, a little spooky, and sometimes moving. Need a little inspiration? Get a load of this:
I should also mention that while I’m typing this, I’ve got one eye on The Happiest Season on Netflix (great soundtrack, pretty good movie). Next up: Christmas as Usual (when Indian and Norwegian Christmas traditions collide in rom-com land), and A Castle for Christmas (Brooke-Shields-in-a-tartan-ballgown-in-a-Scottish-castle rom-com) is definitely happening soon. I’m also burning a new gingerbread-scented candle, and — full disclosure — I’m wearing red plaid flannel pajama pants right now. It is 12:33 p.m.
This is pretty much me right now:
(OMG! How great would it be if the Muppets were in our house?!)
Anyway. You’re turn!
This won't help anyone else in terms of what to read (though it might inspire you); but today would have been my MIL's birthday and she passed this year. She left behind a typed up journal of her trip to Europe in 1965. I've been meaning to read it and now, since I'm between books, I might take the time to savor it this holiday season little by little, maybe accompanied by a cup of her favorite tea.
If you have anything written by loved ones, now might be a great time to read them to ask them questions (if they are still around) or honor them (if they've passed.) I've also reflected on the books she and I have exchanged/shared with each other in the 20 years I've known her.
I'm reading Still Life by Sarah Winman, which I learned about on SSoP! I'm completely immersed in it. Not just because I visited the truly beautiful Florence for the first time last year (where it takes place) or because I'm a big E.M. Forster fan (multiple connections drawn by the author), but also because I just love the characters.
A Muppet Christmas Carol is a family favorite and we watch it every year. Anyone else? (Dickens + Muppets! What's better than that?)